Why You Should Schedule a Physical Exam Every Year

Primary care empowers you to establish a longstanding connection with a trusted healthcare provider. You can touch base with your primary care provider for any medical issue that isn’t an emergency, and they can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Yearly physical exams, or annual physicals, are key services within primary and preventive care. During an annual physical at Montclair Concierge Medicine in Verona, New Jersey, Kelly DiStefano, MD, evaluates your health and helps you stay on track with preventive medical care. 

You don’t have to have symptoms or any diagnosis to book and benefit from an annual physical.

If you’re due for your next annual physical, be assured that the visit is worth your time. Here’s why annual physical exams are so important. 

Gaining insight into your health and wellness

An annual exam can tell you a lot about your current health status and future health trajectory. Just 20% of adults get annual physicals. However, the remaining 80% could benefit from the knowledge gained during these appointments. 

A typical comprehensive physical involves a brief review of your health history followed by the examination and some tests. Your physical exam checks your:

• Pulse
• Blood pressure
• Respiration (breathing)
• Skin 
• Balance and gait
• Lymph nodes
• Extremities
• Internal organs

Every physical exam at Montclair Concierge Medicine is tailored to your needs. For example, your annual exam might include a breast exam if you’re at risk for breast cancer. 

Dr. DiStefano might also review bloodwork and conduct other more in-depth tests, which provide health insights you wouldn’t get otherwise. Dr. DiStefano uses her findings to tailor your health and wellness recommendations. 

Keeping current with preventive care

Preventive healthcare services are meant to keep you from getting sick or at least lower your risk for specific diseases. Some help you identify diseases early when treatment is easier. 

Your annual physical appointments help you stay on track with the preventive services you need based on your age and risk factors. During an annual physical, Dr. DiStefano can:

Update your vaccinations

Vaccines prepare your body to come into contact with specific disease-causing pathogens like viruses and bacteria. They teach your immune system to fight off these illnesses or make them less severe if you catch them. Some vaccines require boosters to stay active. 

Provide necessary screenings

Disease screenings are tests to look for specific diseases that present no symptoms. Dr. DiStefano recommends screenings based on your age, sex, family history, and other risk factors. 

Receiving valuable health and wellness advice 

When you stay consistent with getting annual physicals, it’s easier to track health changes over time and predict future health changes based on your current habits. 

Dr. DiStefano uses the findings of a physical exam to make personalized recommendations for your diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors. Implementing these changes with her support can help you support your physical and mental health in the long term. 

By following Dr. DiStefano’s advice, you may be able to lower your risk for chronic diseases like:

• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Certain cancers
• Depression 

Montclair Concierge Medicine also provides professional weight loss services as part of primary and preventive care. 

Book your next exam today

Dr. DiStefano invites you to schedule your next detailed annual physical at Montclair Concierge Medicine. Call the Verona, New Jersey, office today.